Take a “Walk of Art” in the Park

Delight in Nature and Art at Elk Rapids Walk of Art

A hidden gem in northern Michigan on the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay is Elk Rapids Walk of Art. Hiking though a forest or strolling along the sandy rocky shores of the Bay, intriguing works of art are found along this scenic area.  Here numerous artists’ amazing inspirations are found along the paths and on the beach.  Covering 15 acres this outdoor gallery invites one to take in both the beauty of nature and art.  The Walk of Art does truly delight the senses with the media ranging from thoughtful and sedate to whimsical and airy.

Following a busy week of golf, sightseeing, wine tasting, dining, and more in northern Michigan, we are seeking a peaceful activity.  Picking up the Traverse Bay Lifestyles magazine, I see an article on Elk Rapids Walk of Art by Becky Lancaster.  So on a Saturday afternoon with beautiful blue skies, we are off to for a unique combination of art and nature.  The Walk of Art is part of Elk Rapids Day Park just of US 31 south of Elk Rapids.  Arriving at the Park we initially see a few of the art pieces near the parking lot.

Locating the Walk of Art Entrance Sign and picking up a brochure with a map of the trails and artworks, we begin a leisurely stroll through the park.  Here we find paths from wide hard surfaces to narrow trails winding through the majestic woods to sandy beaches and shorelines of rocky pebbles.  It is fun just wandering the paths and seeing what we find around each corner rather than using the map.

A short path to the beach has the Grand Traverse Portage that is a fun take of two people carrying a canoe.  I have fun pretending I am assisting on the portage.

Here we enjoy the scenic shoreline of East Grand Traverse Bay.  The beach is sandy but the shore is covered in rocky stones and pebbles.  Beachcombers are looking through the pebbles in search of the infamous Petoskey stone.

Returning to the trail in the woods we come upon the signs of Scott Froschauer of Sun Valley California.  The signage artwork meets the DOT specifications for street signs.  Scott’s signs speak for themselves reminding us to be calm and serene.

Following no particular path is fun as we happen on each unique piece of artwork.  This huge globe has a section cut out.  Sadly there is no information on the artist or meaning.  Another aspect of the above photo is it shows the majestic forest of this scenic park. 

Several magnificent wood sculptures made from various types of wood are beautiful. The Owls in Flight is most impressive and needs to be viewed from each side.

We especially like the of the Hummingbird and the Cosmos.

As we continue the Alien gives us a smile.  These artists have such creativity in their artwork.

More serene and thoughtful is the Keeping it Together.

Another detour to the beach we see a bright shiny object.  What is it?  It’s a huge pail with shovels shining in the bright sunlight.  Called the Singing Pail of Dreams the pail is a woven pattern which allows the wind to “sing” through it.  The shovel is taller than Richard. 

It is so much fun to stop for a picture as we enjoy the art and nature.  Here is a selfie at the One Way Heart.

Strolling the beach we create our own ideas of nature and art with “Woman on Driftwood.”  SMILE!

Even a brilliant peacock is out on the edge of the beach.

The finale for us as we leave the park is the Grand Traverse Bay Monolith.

The Art Rapids Walk of Art is absolutely unique, fun, and inspirational.  The blending of these works of art into this woodsy and beach setting creates a delightful and intriguing park.  This is a Hidden Gem!  If you are in the Elk Rapids area, be sure to visit Elk Rapids Walk of Art.

If you go:
1)  The Walk of Art is an initiative of Art Rapids.
2) Plan at least an hour but you can easily spend more time enjoying the trails, the beach and the art.
3) The Park has picnic sites and a pavilion.
4) Restroom/bathhouses  are located close to the pavilion.
5) Children’s playground is near the beach.
6) The Walk of Art is a year-round gallery.  There are usually 35 sculptures which change.
Sculptures are for sale.  The Brochure with the map lists the sculpture names, artists, and price.
Below are few other photos.